「Owners Review」To Be Honest, What do you think of the Honda “CB650R”

Motorcycle

From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, here's what the owners have to say about Honda 「CB650R」.

To be honest, the Honda "CB650R" is this kind of bike!

Honda's "CB-R" series is unified by a new but nostalgic neo-classic design with a single round eye. Currently, there are four models by displacement: 124cc, 249cc, 648cc, and 998cc, with the 648cc CB650R positioned in the middle of the lineup.

Perhaps its greatest feature is that it is a naked model equipped with an inline 4-cylinder engine.
In recent years, the number of inline 4-cylinder engines in the middle class (600 cc) as well as small and medium displacement models has been decreasing, and the CB650R is a rare inline 4-cylinder model. The four exhaust pipelines, visible from the front diagonally, are a strong statement of the "inline 4-cylinder" engine.

What is interesting is that this inline 4-cylinder engine does not have a crisp sports setting that emphasizes lift, as in modern super sports models, but rather a heavier crank mass and a greater emphasis on feel. The inertial torque increases as the throttle is applied, giving the driver the feeling of a traditional inline 4-cylinder engine.

The body is a "twin-spar frame made of steel" that feels supple, and the suspension, including front and rear suspension, is set up softly with an emphasis on ride comfort. The CB650R is not a machine that is suited for cutting down the time on the track, but it is just the right size to enjoy the feeling of the in-line 4-cylinder engine on the winding roads you find on your travels.

The CB650R is also attractive in that it is equipped with an inline 4-cylinder engine, which is costly to build but is priced at a reasonable (approx.) 6679 USD.

How do Webike users feel about the CB650R?

CB650R

Average price of the new model: (approx.) 6728 USD
Used model price: (approx.) 6308 USD 
Number of reviews: 22
Data as of October 3, 2023

Average owner satisfaction is 3.91 out of 5 (270 people rated)

It should be noted that the car received more than 4 points for riding, looks, and handling.
The high evaluation seems to be due to the fact that the car has a classic look, yet it is nimble enough to handle everything from city riding to winding roads.

On the other hand, the lowest rating among the six items was for load ability, with comments such as "the rear seat is short, making it difficult to attach a seat bag" and "the space under the seat is too small.

CB650R, Quick Summary

Advantage

- Acceleration and speed are sufficient for your needs and no trouble
- The ground feel makes corners safe, and the self-steer makes turns effortless.
- Lightweight for a large size, easy to push and pull
- Good sound at high rpm

Disadvantage

- The seat and suspension are hard, and my buttocks hurt if I ride a little longer.
- Fuel economy is not bad (20-23km/L), but the tank capacity is a little small.
- The accelerator pedal feels heavy.
- The tandem seat is too big for an adult.

CB650R Owner's Voice

Here are some of the most impressive voices among the many reviews.

Massey (2021 model)

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models Reason for purchase: Wanted to ride a middle four-cylinder (switching from a Versys 650)
Purpose of use: Touring
Comparison: GSX-S750
Advantages/Satisfactory points Anyway, the sound is good. I don't think of changing the exhaust system.
The car feels very secure on corners because of the ground feel, and it turns easily with self-steer.
It turns out easily by self-steering. It feels like it is not fluttering but turning quickly.
Easy to maneuver as it doesn't feel heavy, so you can go to a convenience store without hesitation.
It has a slight forward lean, but once you get used to it, long distances will not be a problem.
Fuel economy is normal, and I am happy that it uses regular fuel.
The power is not too much for the lower class, but in the middle class, it can be revved up and is just right for a fun ride.
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points Rear suspension is a little stiff and sometimes the impact from bumps is directly felt.
The clutch lever is too far away (I replaced it immediately).
There are many parts that do not fit, although the appearance is almost the same before and after MC.
Advice for prospective buyers Fuel consumption is around 20-23 km.
Exhaust noise often causes dogs to bark
Recommended for people who like four-cylinder engines but don't want something big.

Kuwa (2021 model)

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models I wanted to buy a CB400SF, but it was discontinued and I couldn't afford it, so I gave up and chose a CB650R, which has the same price range and vehicle weight.
Because of that, I had to take a large-sized motorcycle training course directly after I got a standard motorcycle license.
I wanted to ride a four-cylinder engine vehicle with good sound.
Advantages/Satisfactory points It is light and easy to push and pull for its modest displacement (650cc) and four cylinders.
Although I am a beginner and do not have enough experience to compare it with others, it is easy to ride and turns well compared to my learner's bike (CB400SF, NC750). Good sound at high rpm
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points Seats and suspension are hard, and my butt hurts after riding a little longer. The rear seat is short, making it difficult to carry luggage. The space under the seat is also small. The noisy engine when riding too hard.

RF (2021 model)

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models I was a Honda fan and a fan of four-cylinder motorcycles and had been riding a CB400SF for many years, but after 10 years I was ready for a new bike, and when I saw that a new four-cylinder CB was available, I fell in love with its style.

I didn't have a large license, but I went for it for this bike. Used it for daily transportation and touring.

Advantages/Satisfactory points Being a four-cylinder, being a CB, cool exhaust pipes, good exhaust sound, lightweight, good style, and since I'm switching from a 400cc, I like the start.
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points Fuel economy is not bad (actual fuel consumption 20-23km/L), but I think the tank capacity is a little small.
The tank capacity is a little small.
Advice for prospective buyers For those who are wondering about the CBR650R with cowl.
I have ridden both and felt that the CBR650R has a smoother and gentler engine feel, despite its appearance.
On the other hand, the CB650R is an engine that turns rather hard, so if you don't care about the appearance, you can refer to that as well.

 

Check out the CB650R's competitors

There are no naked models of this displacement equipped with an inline 4-cylinder engine, either in Japan or abroad. The only competitors are the 600cc class Supersports or the CBR650R, a full-cowl model that shares the engine and chassis with the CB650R.

The CBR650R has a full cowl design like the supersport, but it shares most of the engine specifications and body dimensions with the CB650R. The handlebars are lower and the riding position is a bit sportier, but like the CB650R, it has a touring-oriented character with an emphasis on the road range, rather than a circuit-oriented character.

If you are interested in the reviews of its rivals, check here!

※ Average owner satisfaction and the number of reviews are as of October 3, 2023.

HONDA CBR650R

Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.79 (343 people rated)
Average price of new model: (approx.) 7296 USD
Average price of used model: (approx.) 6436 USD
Number of reviews: 33